Chapter 9 - Creative Writing 401

Will walked down the hall toward the second last door of the wing that housed most of the juniors' lockers. As he absent-mindedly passed the classrooms and lockers he saw students already seated in some classrooms through the narrow pane of glass that was standard on every door. His mind registered that the pane being two inches above and three inches to the left of the door handle was ideal for breaking into a locked classroom should one want to.

Frowning at the turn of his thoughts he looked up to realize that he was about to pass the classroom. Just as his hand reached for the doorknob he picked up a scent that sent his teenage hormones into overdrive. His mouth went dry, his palms began to sweat and his heart steadily began to beat faster.

Just as suddenly he felt a finger poke into his shoulder. Annoyed he turned to see five students behind him, all with various degrees of irritation on their faces. Looking down at the person who had poked him his mind registered that these were classmates and he was in the way.

"What?" He asked Caitlin as she made a movement that suggested she was going to poke him again.

"We're trying to get to class on time Einstein, a bit of speed. I'm two warnings away from detention." Caitlin's irritation was laced in every word she spoke as she put her hand on top of his and turned the doorknob.

Will jerked his hand from beneath hers and walked into the classroom just as the final bell rang. The other five students shot Will glares as they hurriedly sat down. Finding the seat closest to the door without being in the first two rows Will gave them a shrug for their glares and looked to the front of the classroom.

With a frown, he realized there was no one there. Where was the teacher? Surely Principal Smith had been clear at Assembly that he had replaced Miss Lovelace. Not that he minded not having a teacher, one less stress to worry about, for now.

What the hell had happened at the door? Taking in a deep breath he realized what or whoever he had smelled outside was in here. His body jerked upright and he looked around the room trying to match the familiar unfamiliar scent. He knew everyone in this class and what they smelled like.

"Good afternoon, class!" A voice with a distinct British accent to it floated over the class from the back of the classroom. Everyone snapped to see where the voice had originated from. There at the center back of the classroom at one of the desks sat a petite lady who looked a few years older than most of the class.

She wore glasses and a black trouser suit. Her hair was black with hints of purple at the tips. Her eyes were dark brown and they were barely smiling. She stood and straightened her glasses revealing a silver watch on her left wrist. The cut of her suit was faultless and her light grey shoes matched with her long-sleeved blouse perfectly.

"My name is Mrs. Musa. That is spelled m – u- s- a. Many of you I'm sure were expecting an easy grade.

"In my class, you will be marked on grammar, spelling content, and ability. For those who wish to write on topics, they are not familiar with I suggest you delve into research. As seniors, I expect a vocabulary which bears an appropriate reflection of young adults about to begin university within the year."

"Like, excuse me, Mrs. M," Kat, a brunette from the cheerleading squad raised her hand.

"Yes, Miss Rebbeca Katherine Cioffredi?" Thokozani asked. A few surprised looks came on a few of the students. A few snickered.

The girl was dumbstruck for a few seconds, "Um, you can call me Kat?" Kat responded. "Like, where are you from? Are you British?"

"I assure you that you probably wouldn't be able to locate where I come from. Not because the place doesn't exist but it is simply irrelevant to you. As I was saying, your project for this term is to write a paper on your partner."

Another hand shot up from the back of the classroom. Mrs. Musa raised an eyebrow. "Yes?"

"Um, ma'am, you haven't given us partners," Abigail Reiss the teacher's pet pointed out.

"Yes, Miss Reiss, I am aware of that. Now if you'd stop interrupting me I'll show you your partners. From my left to my right, first row, the person to your left is your partner. Second row, the person behind you is your partner."

Looking around the classroom Will realized that everyone had been paired with someone they barely had anything in common with. Looking in front of himself he looked at his new partner for the term. His eyes closed as he fought back anger.

There was no way he was going to work with him! After everything that had happened. He scowled at the glimmer of hope in the other boy's eyes.

"Hey Will! Looks like we're partnering up this term."

Will took a deep breath and schooled his features into a half-smile. "Yeah, Jon, looks like it."

Jon's smile froze at the frostiness in Will's voice. "Look, Will, if you don't want to be my partner I'm sure Mrs. Moosa, will change us."

As if on cue, the melodic voice of their Creative Writing teacher flew over the noise of the chattering students as if they were all silent, "I will not entertain any changes. Those of you who thought you could fool me by sitting in places not assigned to you, namely Miss Pierson, Mr. Wetherby, Miss Fox, and Miss Treston, I trust you will find yourselves reunited with your partners by the time you return to my class tomorrow. You will find details of your homework for the term and the due dates in the packs with your names under your desks. Any questions?"

The class was abuzz as everyone realized that under their newly assigned seats were the packs Mrs. Musa referred to. Hands shot up as individuals discovered missing pages and tears on their packs. Each "pack" consisted of a folder with each student's name on a printed label with every assignment, its due date, and its percentage contribution to the total grade and the notebooks on school stationery. The school crest was on everything.

A student stood up and started walking towards the door. Thokozani did not spare him a glance. "Mr. Jacob Reiss! I suggest you return to your seat young man."

The entire class turned to Jake Reiss as he attempted to walk out of the classroom. A blush crept up his neck and cheeks. He shrugged and headed towards the door.

"To your seat!" Her voice carried across the classroom and the young man froze mid-step. He frowned and glared at her.

"What did you do to me? I can't move!" He screeched in terror as he stood stock-still.

"I told you to return to your seat. I would advise you to do so of your own volition or I will make you do it." Her tone was cool and brooked no humor.

"Okay, fine. Let me go." The student whined.

Thokozani looked at him with amusement. "I am not holding you, child."

Whispers of "ooh, burn" and "child" echoed in the course room. Thokozani stood seemingly relaxed as she waited for her instructions to be followed. The entire class could tell that the boy was fighting her command and yet seemed unable to.

"Walk over to that chair." She pointed to his assigned seat.

With a petulant pout, the boy made his way as if resisting being pushed to the chair. He stood glaring at the desk. His hands held the back of the chair in a last form of resistance.

"Thank you. Sit down on that chair." The entire class watched with fascination as the young man fought against an unseen force before collapsing into the chair. "Thank you."

Will looked at the woman who was going to be his teacher and wondered if she was ever going to smile again. Glancing at his watch he raised his hand. She nodded at him.

Funny, she's not saying my name he thought. "Mrs. Musa," He smiled knowing he'd pronounced it exactly as she had earlier on, "Please tell us where you're from."

"Alright, I'm from Malawi. This brings us to your first assignment: A day in the life of an African villager. I trust you will do ample research. There are at least 15 teachers who have been to an African village and spent at least a week there and many other resources at your disposal. See you, next class." Again, as if on cue the bell rang signaling the end of the period. Everyone sighed and picked up their packs and headed out for the last class of the day.

Will spotted Bryan as he headed out of the classroom, Bryan grinned. "Dude, you were so right. She is hot! Did you see how she got Jake to get up and sit down?! It was like he was under a spell man! Classic yearbook stuff. And the accent…with that voice, she can keep on talking for days. Did you see the way her hips were talking while she was walking to the front of the class? Will!" Bryan stopped his excited chatter and snapped his fingers in front of his friend's enraged face.